Gary and Lucy Smith* (not their real names) left Australia last month to work with a mission organisation which oversees about 120 workers in central Asia. They hope their presence will be another spark of hope for a war-torn country and its people.

In January 2003, the couple were devastated when, after 19 years in Pakistan, their visa was refused and they had to leave the country with just a few weeks notice.

This meant saying goodbye to the last three years of ministry with CMS teaching English to Afghan refugees, as well as leaving their friends, possessions and home.

On their return home to Adelaide they recuperated after the last two stressful years. They had been deeply affected by terrorist attacks on a nearby church, Christian school and hospital that resulted in the deaths of 12 people.

Security became a serious concern, as was living with the knowledge that their telephone was being tapped and they were being watched.

Back in Australia they were cared for by doctors, counsellors and CMS. But the big question that remained for them was, what should they do next?

Lucy says she asked God to give her excitement and desire for wherever in the world he wanted her to go.

The Smiths left Australia last month to work with a mission organisation, which oversees about 120 workers in a central Asian country. They hope their presence there will be another spark of hope for a war-torn country and its people.

After six months of language study, Gary hopes to teach English to locals connected to the Ministry of Education. Lucy will offer hospitality to local people and possibly run English classes. She also hopes to show love to the beggars and many orphans in the capital city.

But they admit that the city, devastated by years of rule under an opressive regime will not be an easy place to live. Water will be a problem. There will be no phone and electricity will be supplied by a generator and solar panels. Winter will be bitterly cold with snow and in summer there will be dust storms.

“Who knows what the Lord has planned for us there? It’s a country drenched with blood, destruction and sorrow. Our task is just to be there and be obedient to what he puts in our path,” Lucy said.

“We want to share the love of Jesus with people as they rebuild their lives, and their nation. In some small way we want to be hope-bearers.”